Let's All Be Here For Good.

At Virtua Health, being here for good means creating a place where every patient, visitor, and team member feels safe, respected, and welcome. Working together helps us provide the best possible care.

At Virtua, we live our culture through co-designed Guiding Principles that reflect who we are and how we work together. We ask that you treat us in the manner we treat you.

Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct

What We Expect

Help us maintain a safe, respectful environment by:

• Speaking respectfully to all patients, visitors, and staff
• Following the instructions of your care team and facility guidelines
• Respecting the privacy and comfort of other patients
• Keeping noise levels reasonable
• Leaving weapons at home

What Is Not Acceptable

The following behaviors are not welcome at our facilities:

• Physical violence or threats—hitting, pushing, spitting, throwing objects, or threatening to harm anyone.
• Verbal abuse—yelling, intimidating, or using profane, vulgar, or sexually inappropriate language.
• Discrimination or harassment—offensive behaviors/comments or treating others less favorably or differently (including Virtua staff) based on their race, ethnicity, accent, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other personal characteristics.
  • This includes refusing care team members based on their race, ethnicity, or accent, for example.
• Disrupting care—interfering with another patient's treatment, privacy rights, or the work of our team
• Damage to property—vandalizing or stealing hospital property or others' belongings.
• Recording without consent — To protect privacy and maintain a place of healing, please do not photograph, videotape, or record care team members or other patients without their consent.

Important Legal Notice: Assault Is a Crime in New Jersey

Under New Jersey's Health Care Heroes Act, it is a crime to assault any health care professional, employee, or volunteer at a health care facility.

This offense is punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. More serious assaults carry harsher penalties.

This notice is displayed throughout our facilities as required by law.

What Happens If This Code Is Violated

We understand that illness, uncertainty, and worry can feel overwhelming. If we believe this Code has been violated, we will listen to your perspective and consider the circumstances before deciding what action is appropriate.

If these expectations are not met, we may take the following steps to protect patients, visitors, and team members:

• Patients may be asked to leave and arrange care elsewhere when their needs are not an emergency. Future non-emergency care at Virtua may also be reviewed.
• Visitors may be asked to leave and may be restricted from returning.
• Serious incidents, including violence, threats, or criminal behavior, will be reported to law enforcement.

We expect these situations to be rare.

How to Report Concerns

If you witness or experience any behavior that violates this Code, please tell a member of your care team or speak with Security. We take all reports seriously and will respond appropriately.

We're Here for Good—Together

Most patients and visitors share our commitment to compassion, respect, and belonging. By following this Code, you help protect everyone and allow our care teams to focus on what matters most: your health, healing, and well-being.

Thank you for helping us keep Virtua warm, safe, and welcoming for everyone.